Traffic Woes in Gurugram: A Rising Concern Amid Election Campaigns
With assembly elections approaching in Haryana, political parties are ramping up their campaigning efforts. However, residents in Gurugram, often referred to as the “Millennium City” and the “Singapore of India,” are voicing a critical concern that overshadows party promises: the unbearable traffic congestion plaguing the city. As one of the largest IT and corporate hubs in Asia, Gurugram attracts numerous professionals from across India. Yet, the lack of adequate civic amenities has turned daily life into a struggle for many.
Everyday Struggles: Waterlogging, Broken Roads, and Traffic Jams
Residents express frustration over issues like severe waterlogging, poorly maintained roads, and endless traffic jams, which have become a part of their daily lives. As the elections draw near, voters are demanding concrete assurances from candidates regarding these persistent grievances.
Protests Speak Louder Than Words
During campaign events, many voters have taken to displaying posters with slogans like “No road, no vote” and “Stuck in traffic, can’t vote.” This grassroots activism underscores the community’s resolve to hold politicians accountable. Sumegh Jaiswal, a local resident, articulated the sentiment: “Travelling a few kilometers now takes over an hour, and making it to Delhi feels like traveling to distant destinations like Dubai or Singapore.”
The Challenge of Reaching the Airport
Gurugram’s proximity to the Delhi airport is ironic, as residents like architect Trikha highlight, “Sometimes, reaching the airport takes longer than a flight itself. The lack of metro connectivity only exacerbates the situation.” Heavy rains often lead to drastic traffic conditions, drawing comparisons to rowing a boat through flooded streets. Many residents question why they should cast their votes when their fundamental needs remain unaddressed.
Political Finger-Pointing: Who is to Blame?
The ongoing traffic crisis has sparked a blame game between political parties. BJP’s Rao Narbir Singh, a three-time Haryana minister, acknowledged the city’s deteriorating conditions, stating, “Gurugram has become a civic mess” under the coalition government that included the Jannayak Janata Party (JJP). He attributed the city’s stagnation and development reversal to this alliance.
Congress Responds: A Call for Attention
The Congress party’s Vardhan Yadav, contesting his first election, criticized the BJP for neglecting Gurugram, arguing that the city has not received its due despite contributing significantly to Haryana’s revenue. He pointed out that heavy traffic is becoming increasingly prevalent even on national highways that traverse the area.
The Rising Number of Vehicles: A Major Concern
Traffic officials attribute the congestion to the ever-increasing number of vehicles in the city. Each month sees at least 5,000 new private vehicles registered in Gurugram, alongside numerous two-wheelers and commercial vehicles. A senior traffic police official admitted that despite deploying teams at major intersections, the scale of the problem persists, especially during adverse weather conditions.
Gurugram’s Assembly Constituencies and Voter Count
Gurugram district encompasses four assembly constituencies: Gurgaon, Pataudi, Badshahpur, and Sohna, with a combined electorate exceeding 1.5 million. Among these, Badshahpur boasts the largest voter base in the state.
Upcoming Elections: A Crucial Moment for Gurugram
As the Haryana assembly elections approach, scheduled for October 5, residents are hopeful that the candidates will prioritize infrastructural development and address traffic woes effectively. The counting of votes will take place on October 8, and voters are eager to see which party will bring genuine change to their beloved city.
